Recognising individuals or teams that disrupt industry norms through innovative design, visionary thinking and leadership. This award honours those who challenge conventions, drive new standards in safety, efficiency and other key metrics, or revolutionise working culture.
Celebrating a rising star in exterior, interior, UX/UI, CMF, or materials design—whether an emerging professional or a standout student. The recipient must showcase original thought-provoking work, strong technical skills, and an ability to design with storytelling and brand identity in mind.
Honouring the individuals or teams who work quietly behind the scenes to achieve outstanding results. This award recognises those who lead by example without seeking the spotlight.
Sponsored by Ultrafabrics
Recognising teams that create class-leading car interiors by pushing boundaries in ergonomics, usability, technology integration and circularity, all while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Sponsored by Bridge of Weir Leather
For teams that champion sustainability in real-world automotive design and manufacturing. Entries should showcase a rigorous approach to material selection, demonstrate measurable sustainability impacts, and highlight collaboration with multiple departments to achieve corporate sustainability goals.
Sponsored by Harman Automotive
Awarded to projects that redefine transportation design by addressing urban planning, mobility-as-a-service (MaaS), charging infrastructure, circularity, or broader cultural challenges. Winning entries must demonstrate a strong connection between vehicle design and real-world impact.
Sponsored by Techic
Celebrating teams that craft a cohesive and sustainable aesthetic through innovative materials, colours and finishes, embedding CMF within the overall user experience. Highlighted projects should unify exterior and interior styling while balancing broader considerations for sustainability, manufacturability and UX.
Sponsored by UE Studios
The teams that create intuitive, user-friendly experiences that strengthen the bond between car and user. From seamless digital interfaces and ergonomic physical controls to features that enhance accessibility and everyday usability, teams will be rewarded for creativity but also pragmatism.
Sponsored by Bridge of Weir Leather
Awarded to an outstanding RCA Intelligent Mobility student who demonstrates design excellence and potential, judged by a separate panel from the IMDC chaired by Prof. Dale Harrow.
The Best Visualisation Team award celebrates the creative and technical specialists who transform automotive ideas into compelling digital experiences. It recognises teams that deliver outstanding renders, animations, virtual reality and real-time content to communicate design intent with clarity and emotional impact. Judges look for excellence in craft, innovation in tools and processes, and collaboration that strengthens decision-making across design programmes. The category highlights the vital role visualisation plays in shaping modern vehicle development. Creativity meets technology and teamwork here too.
The teams that masterfully translate ideas into physical models at speed and scale, demonstrating the continued value of clay in combination with digital design. Ultimately showing a commitment to the craft.
Sponsored by Contechs Consulting
Recognising teams that bring flat sketches to life in the virtual space, using advanced digital tools, data analysis and creative problem-solving. Entries must showcase accurate 3D modelling, innovative use of technology, and OEM-approved design execution.
Sponsored by Swarovski Mobility
For teams that use lighting in innovative ways to enhance safety, user experience, brand identity and communication with the world around the car. Judges will assess originality, integration of technology, and how lighting contributes to a distinct and recognisable brand.
Sponsored by Autodesk
The teams that push exterior design forward by balancing innovation, brand DNA, aerodynamics, and efficiency to create bold, forward-thinking vehicle designs. Why is your exterior team the best in the game?
Sponsored by Mahindra Global Design
Honouring a tutor or course leader who inspires future designers through innovative thinking, mentorship, and a track record of producing graduates who challenge industry norms. Entrants can self nominate.
For a designer that uses AI as a central tool in their workflow, creating exciting new looks or accelerating processes that are usually time-consuming. An inquisitive designer that showcases how AI can optimise vehicle design.
Recognising the collaboration between an OEM and a supplier that resulted in design or technological innovation. Entries should demonstrate strong teamwork, a tangible product or technology outcome, and ideally long-term impact beyond a single project.
For the team that bridges the design and engineering departments to make challenging projects a reality. This studio engineering team demonstrates how it has made the difference between a good design and a great one, advocating for design to push the boundaries of what is possible. The team should outline how they have played a pivotal role in the success of a project.
Recognising teams that create visionary concept cars that challenge traditional aesthetics, functionality and technology. Highlighted projects should explore new design philosophies and experiences while offering a practical vision of the future of mobility. But remember, this is about the team, not the product.